Florida continues to set records for positive COVID-19 tests and deaths, which is not something about which citizens should feel at all proud. As an in-home care provider to seniors, I am quite concerned with the rising statistics, even though the median age for positive tests has dropped to 40.
This, by no means, indicates seniors are no longer at risk of contracting coronavirus. On the contrary, it clearly demonstrates how quickly this deadly contagion can spread among all ages, without the onset of symptoms, and no one is completely immune.
In a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention [CDC], it states, “As you get older, your risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases. For example, people in their 50s are at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 40s. Similarly, people in their 60s or 70s are, in general, at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 50s. The greatest risk for severe illness from COVID-19 is among those aged 85 or older.”
The report continued, “There are also other factors that can increase your risk for severe illness, such as having underlying medical conditions. By understanding the factors that put you at an increased risk, you can make decisions about what kind of precautions to take in your daily life.”
Seniors, age 65 and up, must remain diligent about staying safer at home, practicing social distancing, washing their hands, and wearing masks in public, or when social distancing is impossible.
Home Care Association of America recommends caregivers and seniors, alike, follow the Power of 5. The Power of 5 campaign was designed to help caregivers and seniors stay healthy and safe from COVID-19. The Power of 5 includes:
- Washing hands
- Disinfecting surfaces
- Checking for fever
- Distancing, if possible
- Checking-in often
These may not be easy instructions to follow, especially when homebound seniors contend with ambulatory issues and underlying health conditions that prevent them from performing general activities of daily living. This is when a highly-skilled, compassionate, in-home caregiver to seniors can make living in this unprecedented public health crisis much easier!
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, my Home Helpers® caregivers are exceptionally-trained to provide many types of services, including, but not limited to:
- Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care
- Companion Care
- Homemaker Services
- Meals & Nutrition
- Personal Care
- Recuperative Care
- Respite Care
- Support & Stroke Recovery
- Wake-up/Tuck-in
- Wellness Calls
For seniors, there are few things more important than being able to live independently in their own homes, or maybe in an assisted living community, to enjoy their retirement and twilight years. In as much as COVID has not extinguished this desire, it has certainly altered everyone’s current reality.
Considering how hard residents and staff at assisted living facilities and nursing homes have been hit by the novel coronavirus in Florida and nationwide, moving to one of these places may not be the most viable option.
Conscientious, compassionate caregivers can assist in many ways to keep you or your senior loved one happy, healthy, safe and as independent as possible at home.
Caregivers provide companion care to seniors to keep them company when they live alone or feel isolated, especially when family and friends live far away, or they must keep their distance to keep them safe. Caregivers strive to keep seniors engaged in meaningful conversations; ensure they are entertained with games, cards, crafts, or whatever suits them; and monitor changes in their emotional, mental and physical health.
Caregivers manage homemaker services like light housework, like disinfecting common surfaces; laundry; nutritious meal planning and meal preparation; as well as grocery shopping, which may be too difficult for seniors to manage alone, especially due to restrictions – or no restrictions, as the case may be – because of coronavirus. Going into public is a much different animal than it was only a few months ago. It is definitely more dangerous these days, thanks to COVID.
Caregivers assist with transportation when illness or disability prevents one from driving. Seniors can remain independent without worrying how they will be able to manage personal errands, or missing important doctor appointments. Caregivers are also able to provide guidance to seniors regarding the “new normals” associated with visiting doctors, dentists, salons, etc.
Caregivers provide respite care, so family caregivers can take the time needed for themselves and their own family members. Caregivers are prompt with medication reminders; and thorough when assisting with personal care, like hand-washing, bathing, teeth/denture brushing, dressing and more.
I know I sound like a broken record, but as acclaimed motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar, said, “Repetition is the mother of learning, the father of action, which makes it the architect of accomplishment,” and I don’t think the coronavirus is a topic we can discuss or repeat enough, at this given point in time, especially if it concerns your mother, father, family member, neighbor or friend. We all must be participating “architects of accomplishment” when it comes to coronavirus.
If you are concerned about COVID-19, and the impact it could make on you or a loved one, I understand. You can learn more about the specialized training our staff has received at Home Helpers® official COVID-19 response.
Rest assured, I employ compassionate Home Helpers® caregivers who can help you or your senior loved one stay physically and mentally healthier and more independent at home. I am happy to schedule a FREE Consultation, at your convenience, to assess specific needs, and find the perfect caregiver to help.
We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award for 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020. We proudly serve male and female seniors in Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Holiday, New Port Richey, Trinity, Port Richey, Hudson and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier℠ 727.942.2539
Sources:
CDC
Home Care Association of America
Booktrust.com
